Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College hosted a press conference on August 5 at the Immersive Media Performing Arts Center (iMPAC) on the Harrison County Campus to unveil the Defense Industry Training Accelerated Courses (DITAC) initiative.

Leaders from MGCCC, the regional defense industry, and federal government—including U.S. Senator Roger Wicker—gathered for the event, which spotlighted the college’s longstanding commitment to high-impact, fast-track workforce training programs designed to prepare adult learners for high-demand, high-wage careers in the defense sector.

“Today marks an exciting step forward for the Gulf Coast and the defense industry,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC President. “Our defense-training programs are designed to meet the growing demand for fast, effective workforce training that leads to well-paying careers. Whether students are pursuing traditional skilled trades or emerging technologies, these programs offer hands-on learning and real-world experience to help them succeed from day one.”

DITAC serves as the unified brand for a suite of accelerated, skills-based training programs offered through MGCCC’s advanced facilities and industry-aligned curricula. Programs are delivered through assets such as:

• TheAiM UP Lab at the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center in Gulfport
• The Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense on the Harrison County Campus
• MGCCC’s leadership in statewide artificial intelligence and cybersecurity education

“The launch of this training consortium’s new brand marks a pivotal step forward in strengthening our region’s workforce by preparing individuals for meaningful careers in shipbuilding and across the broader defense industrial base,” said Brian Blanchette, President of Ingalls Shipbuilding. “This initiative reflects a shared vision—one where academic and industry partners come together to meet critical workforce needs of our country and reinforce our national security.”

DITAC Program Highlights:

• Accelerated learning paths that reduce time to industry certification or employment
• High-paying career opportunities in shipbuilding, AI, cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and more
• Hands-on training with advanced equipment in real-world environments

MGCCC offerings include:

• 56 Career and Technical Education (CTE) credit program options
• Apprenticeships, internships, and customized on-site training
• Specialized programs in welding (with 208 booths), advanced manufacturing, mechanical systems, cybersecurity, automation, and unmanned maritime systems
• Partnerships with government initiatives such as Accelerate MS enhance workforce training opportunities and support practical strategies to strengthen workforce skills across Mississippi’s evolving economy.
• AI and cyber programs supported by major partners including Dell Technologies, Intel, OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Amazon Web Services.

“Mississippians are stepping up to rebuild our national defense,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. “The Defense Industry Training Accelerated Courses at MGCCC will improve the readiness of the United States military. DITAC will equip talented, industrious Mississippians with the skills they need to improve the American military’s competitive edge.”

To learn more about DITAC and available MGCCC programs, visit www.ditac.org.